KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron C1 vs Q1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's entry-level and premium wired keyboard lines. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a low-cost, functional TKL or are willing to invest more for superior materials, extensive customization, and a compact layout. Both are hot-swappable and support multiple operating systems, making the decision a trade-off between value and high-end features.

-29% off
70
Keychron C1 Wired Mechanical Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
95
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1

Select a keyboard to compare

4.8 (180)
4.9 (42)
  • Released in 2020
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 685 g
  • Sized at 27 x 130 x 357 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62.2
  • Build Quality: 60.2
  • Productivity: 74.8
  • Customizability: 73.6
  • Portability: 58
Scores
  • Performance: 72.1
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.8
Name
Keychron C1
Name
Keychron Q1
Release year
2020
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
27 x 130 x 357 mm
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
685g
Weight
1825g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and intentions for customization dictate the choice. If you want a reliable, no-fuss mechanical keyboard at a low cost, the Keychron C1 is a solid performer. If you view your keyboard as a long-term investment and a platform for customization, sound tuning, and deep programmability, the Keychron Q1's premium materials and features justify its higher price.

Keychron C1

  • +Very affordable entry point into mechanical keyboards.
  • +Hot-swappable versions are available for easy switch changes.
  • +Includes multimedia keys and keycaps for both Windows and macOS.
  • +Offers RGB backlighting with multiple effects on certain versions.
  • +Lightweight plastic construction at 685g.
  • −Case and keycaps are made of ABS plastic.
  • −Uses a basic tray mount design.
  • −Lacks advanced programmability like QMK or VIA support.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.

Keychron Q1

  • +Full CNC-machined aluminum case for premium build quality.
  • +Extensive customizability with QMK and VIA open-source firmware support.
  • +Features a gasket mount design with sound-dampening foam.
  • +Offers a programmable knob and support for multiple plate materials.
  • +Provides wide ISO layout support (UK, DE, FR, ES, Nordic, Swiss).
  • −Significantly more expensive than the C1.
  • −Very heavy at 1825g, limiting portability.
  • −The 75% layout has a non-standard right column, which may require specific keycap sets.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 is the clear choice for users who value customization, programmability, and premium build, winning in Office, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation. Its international layout support and programmable knob are significant productivity boosts. The C1 takes the lead only for Travel due to its lighter weight. For Gaming, both are functionally equivalent on core specs, making it a tie.

GamingTie
  • •Both keyboards offer a 1000Hz polling rate for responsive input.
  • •Both are wired-only, ensuring a stable connection.
  • •The C1's TKL layout provides dedicated arrow keys, while the Q1's 75% layout keeps them in a more compact form.
OfficeKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1 offers extensive ISO layout support (UK, DE, FR, etc.), crucial for international users.
  • •Its programmable knob can be set for volume or media control via VIA software.
  • •The Q1's listing mentions included keycaps for both macOS and Windows.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1
  • •Full QMK/VIA support on the Q1 allows deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •The 75% layout saves desk space while retaining essential navigation keys.
  • •South-facing RGB on the Q1 prevents interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a popular choice for custom sets.
TravelKeychron C1
  • •The C1 is significantly lighter at 685g compared to the Q1's 1825g.
  • •Its 80% (TKL) layout is slightly wider but a common, familiar footprint.
  • •The lower price point makes it less of a concern for frequent transport.
ModdingKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1 features a gasket mount design and a double-gasket structure for sound dampening.
  • •It includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and supports multiple plate materials (aluminum, steel, polycarbonate).
  • •It is offered in a barebones kit version and has extensive sound-dampening features mentioned in its specs.
Content CreationKeychron Q1
  • •The Q1's programmable knob can be mapped to creative software shortcuts like brush size or zoom.
  • •QMK/VIA firmware allows for complex macro creation for editing workflows.
  • •The premium aluminum construction provides a stable, high-quality desk presence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

91
$44
Keychron V2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

90
$50
Keychron C1 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron C1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

91
$39
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount